- World’s First USB-C Charging E-Bikes: Ampler’s Nova and Nova Pro can be charged using standard USB-C PD 3.1 laptop chargers, offering convenience and reducing reliance on proprietary chargers.
- Fast, Flexible Charging: The integrated 48V batteries charge fully in as little as 3 hours with a 140W USB-C charger, and even support limited device charging via the same port.
- Built for European Riders: Available in multiple frame sizes and styles, both models feature EU-compliant 250W motors and are now open for preorder in the UK, EU, and Switzerland.
Estonia-based e-bike maker Ampler has launched what appears to be the first commercially available electric bicycles that charge via USB-C — the Nova and Nova Pro. These new models come equipped with a USB-C PD 3.1 port built directly into the bike frame, allowing riders to charge their e-bike with a laptop charger or similar device. Though the feature offers a convenient charging solution, these bikes will be sold exclusively in Europe for now.
Ampler, known for its minimalist yet reliable direct-to-consumer bikes, has made a significant move in line with the European Union’s shift toward standardizing USB-C. By ditching proprietary connectors in favor of the widely available USB-C format, the company reduces e-waste and simplifies travel for cyclists who might otherwise struggle to find a compatible charger. The Nova models’ integrated 48V 336Wh batteries, which are non-removable except for servicing, can be charged from zero to full in about three hours with a 140W USB-C PD 3.1 charger.
While most current e-bikes require bulky charging bricks or unique ports, Ampler’s new system works with common chargers — even those from Ikea or Apple, though with slower results. Riders without a compatible charger can purchase Ampler’s own 140W unit for €80. The built-in USB-C port also supports bidirectional charging, letting cyclists power up smaller devices like smartphones, albeit at a limited 15W output.
Priced at €2,990 for the Nova and €3,490 for the Nova Pro, the new bikes are offered in step-through and step-over designs with three frame sizes. Both feature EU-standard 250W motors capped at 25km/h. The base Nova includes 27.5-inch tires and a nine-speed derailleur setup, while the Nova Pro opts for a low-maintenance Gates Carbon belt drive, making it ideal for flatter cities like Amsterdam.
Preorders are now open across the UK, EU, and Switzerland, with shipments scheduled to begin in June. Ampler supports its bikes with official service centers in Germany and a network of authorized workshops across Europe. Every purchase includes a two-year warranty and a 14-day return window, ensuring buyers can ride with confidence.
